[Eric in the Ozarks]

With the various improvements made to Bagnell Dam, the structure is actually stronger now than when it was built.
Construction lasted from 1929 to 1931, producing a hydro power dam that made 215 megawatts. New turbines and other equipment has improved this figure to near 250 MW today.
It's owned by a private utility, formerly Union Electric of St. Louis. The company is now known as AmerenUE. While Ameren owns the lake and permits lake front homes and floating recreational boat docks, the state owns the fish in the lake.

[infowarrior]

While Ameren owns the lake and permits lake front homes and floating recreational boat docks, the state owns the fish in the lake.

I remember 'liberating' no small number of those unfortunate fishies from their bondage to the State of Missouri, in my youth. My maternal grandmother and her second husband had a house on the shores of Kinkaid Cove, in Camden County. My brothers and I took turns in spending summers there...

the infowarrior

[gleeaikin]

Well nobody likes to pay the government to do things, but on the other hand, without state fishing and hunting licenses, how would the fish restocking, picking up road kill, removal of invasive species of plant and animal, maintenance of dams and shorelines, etc. get paid for?

Regarding fire resistance of organic thatch, I suspect there would be little or no difference. Glad your home is a keeper.